Congrats to Natalie Shaak from Birdsboro, PA (currently residing in Philadelpha). She is 1of 10 national recipients of the Walmart Rediscovering America Scholarship, a $10,000 award given by Walmart in partnership with the prestigious James Beard Foundation to support aspiring female chefs and chefs of color to pursue careers in food and hospitality.

The scholarships come as part Walmart’s Rediscovering America program. Launched for its second year, the program shines a spotlight on the importance of supporting farmers and responsibly sourcing produce.

About Natalie Shaak:

Hometown: Birdsboro, PA

· Years working in culinary, baking, pastry or hospitality business: 2.5

· Educational plans: Drexel University

· Area of study: Culinary

· Wants to use her role in the food industry to address poverty, hunger and obesity, and support sustainability and reduce food waste, and encourage a healthier environment for restaurant workers

Walmart re-launched its Rediscovering America program for a 2nd year to celebrate the importance of making fresh, quality produce available to everyone. The program tasked nine celebrated chefs from across the country to create one-of-a-kind dishes inspired by the fresh, quality produce found at their local Walmart stores, and this Walmart is bringing the program to Detroit.

The partnership shines a spotlight on the importance of supporting farmers and responsibly sourcing produce, which Walmart does in 42 states with thousands of farms and farmers. It’s about ensuring access to high-quality produce at an affordable price. This program celebrates the farmers and good food. And, most of all, the importance of making it accessible to everyone in Detroit.

The retailer is also awarding ten, $10,000 scholarships to female chefs and chefs of color across the country through the James Beard Foundation.